How are student volunteers different from other volunteers? Photograph: Peter Willows

Student Volunteers are already making a huge impact across the UK; if you are not engaging with them already then you are missing a trick.

The facts

In 2011/2012 there were 1,411,975 undergraduates and 309,425 postgraduate students studying in the UK, contributing an estimated 3,459,653 hours of volunteering each year and providing a £42m boost to the UK economy.

Organisations that already engage with student volunteers will be well aware of the positive difference students can make. Student volunteers are no different from any other volunteers, in that they wish to carry out meaningful work and see tangible benefits from the time they donate. Many are highly conscious of their employment prospects, seeing volunteering not only as a worthwhile activity, but also as a way of developing their skills for their future careers.

Understanding the needs of student volunteers is the first step to engaging with them effectively.

Tip 1: focus your volunteer opportunities

It's important to understand what students want and how you can best use this to benefit your organisation. There are some opportunities that students will love, and others that they will struggle to appreciate.

Investing in volunteers takes time but your organisation doesn't have to go at it alone. Many university volunteer services are there to support you in engaging with their students. This is a great resource that is available to all organisations seeking student volunteers; it is advisable to collaborate with a service that knows their students well.

Opportunities that run within universities

Project leader programmes: these tend to be bespoke volunteer programmes, where university services recruit, train, develop and support students and recent graduates to lead teams of volunteers on one day and long-term volunteer challenges on behalf of organisations. The breadth and diversity of projects during Student Volunteering Week 2013 reflects the scope for collaboration and partnership between student volunteers and voluntary organisations.

Volunteer and fundraising challenges: students love team challenges. If you have a project that needs many enthusiastic hands or voices then student volunteers can help.

Volunteer placements: university volunteering services can also match students with organisations for regular, long-term volunteer commitment. The student gains relevant training and work experience while also developing a sense of connection and responsibility with their community.

Tip 2: when to recruit

Knowing when and how to recruit student volunteers is crucial. Getting this right is the difference between having enthusiastic, dedicated and skilled volunteers and having students with no clear idea of how to help your organisation.

If you are looking for volunteers to assist throughout the year, the first few weeks of the new academic year are a brilliant time to recruit. Students are inundated with opportunities in this period and you need to be able to stand out as an organisation that meets their needs, which are the chance to make new friends, gain experience, learn new skills and make a difference.

The best starting point is to contact your local university's volunteer service to find out about the activities they have planned in and around Fresher's Week (this usually takes place each year in early October). Ask whether you can be involved in their plans; suggest ideas for projects in order to develop ways in which you can engage students at an early stage.

To recruit students in a specific subject area, it is best to target students who need to complete a work experience placement programme as part of their course. The students may be skilled in certain areas, from events management, advertising, public relations to business.

Tip 3: how to recruit

Whether the opportunity you are advertising is for one day or for a regular weekly commitment, there needs to be a detailed volunteer role description that reflects the task, time, location and length of commitment of the opportunity.

Volunteer advertising

Many services have their own methods of advertising opportunities to students and may ask you to register with them. If this is the case, use this resource while ensuring the following:

• The advert must be fun and informative. This can be achieved by using positive and engaging language and images.

• Use pictures of current volunteers that reflect the vibrancy of your organisation.

• Use recruitment methods that students are familiar with, such as Twitter, Facebook and social media networks.

• Engage with student groups, such as student ambassadors, members of societies or members of the volunteering service. Experience suggests that those who are already engaged in university life are much more likely to get involved in volunteering.

• Ensure that you allow enough time to advertise. Recommended lead time for any opportunity is at least a month in advance and no later than three weeks before your recruitment deadline.

Tip 4: be prepared to commit and invest in your volunteers

Any new venture requires investment. When students start volunteering they will need a thorough induction and training. Ensure that you have regular meetings and appraisals, at least once a month. Highlight what they have achieved and do not be timid when offering constructive feedback, how they can improve. Treat volunteers like colleagues; include them in your team, surprise them on their birthday with a birthday card, include them in team meetings and all activities where possible. Smile at student volunteers and they will give you a smile back.